How to travel from Forster to Ballina, Australia

The distance between Forster and Ballina is around 456km (283 miles) and the quickest way to get there is to take the bus and then fly which takes around 3h 55m.

8 routes found

We've found 8 different ways to get from Forster to Ballina by bus, train, car and plane. The recommended routes, which include information on duration, ticket price, and level of difficulty, can be found below.

👋 Also check out BallinaForster if you're planning a return trip.

🚀 Fastest
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Bus to Bulahdelah Coach Stop, Booloombayt St, plane

Take the bus to Bulahdelah Coach Stop Booloombayt St and then to Heatherbrae then fly from Newcastle (NTL) to Ballina (BNK).

  • Duration3h 55m
  • Flight time1h 20m
  • Typical cost
    A$470($315)
Operated by

Multiple operators

2 similiar routes

We’ve grouped similar routes together, click the arrows to see the other options.

💰 Cheapest
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Bus

Take the bus to Ballina.

  • Duration7h 50m
  • Departstwice a week
  • Typical cost
    A$64($43)
Operated by

Premier Motor Service

1 similiar route

We’ve grouped similar routes together, click the arrows to see the other options.

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Train and Bus

Take the train to Casino Station then take the bus to Ballina Coach Stop Tamar St.

  • Duration7h 60m
  • Departstwice daily
  • Typical cost
    A$76($51)
Operated by

NSW TrainLink

1 similiar route

We’ve grouped similar routes together, click the arrows to see the other options.

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Drive

Drive to Ballina.

  • Duration5h 10m
  • Distance456km (283 miles)
Get turn-by-turn directions

Frequently asked questionsabout travel between Forster and Ballina

There are several options for getting from Forster to Ballina by bus, train, car and plane. The cheapest option is to take the bus which costs around A$64 ($43) and will take around 7h 50m. If you need to get there more quickly, you can take the bus and then fly and arrive in approximately 3h 55m, though it is a bit more costly at approximately A$470 ($315).

The distance between Forster and Ballina is around 456km (283 miles). In a direct line (as the crow flies), the distance is 382km (238 miles)

It takes around 7h 50m to get from Forster and Ballina by bus. If you are travelling by car it will take around 5h 10m to drive there.

The quickest way to get from Forster to Ballina is to take the bus and then fly which takes around 3h 55m and will set you back approx A$470 ($315).

The cheapest way to travel between Forster and Ballina, if you exclude driving, is to take the bus which will typically cost around A$64 ($43) for a standard one-way ticket.

Train travel

There is no train service that runs between Forster and Ballina. We recommend that you take the bus to Bulahdelah Coach Stop Booloombayt St and then to Heatherbrae then fly from Newcastle (NTL) to Ballina (BNK). instead which will take 3h 55m.

Bus travel

Yes there is a bus that runs regularly from Forster and Ballina. It typically takes around 7h 50m and departs once daily.

There are no direct bus services that runs from Forster to Ballina. However, you can instead can take several connecting buses with changeovers in Victoria St At Florence St. These services run once daily and will take a minimum of 7h 50m.

Premier Motor Service, NSW TrainLink and Greyhound Australia run regular bus services between Forster and Ballina. Buses run once daily and take around 7h 50m on average but will vary depending on you book with.

Flights and Airlines

It doesn't look like you can fly directly from Forster to Ballina. We recommend that you take the bus to Port Macquarie Coach Stop Gordon St then fly from Port Macquarie (PQQ) to Ballina (BNK). instead which will take 5h 25m.

The closest major airport to Ballina is Ballina Byron Airport (BNK) (BNK) which is approximately 3km (2 miles) from Ballina. Gold Coast Airport (OOL) (OOL) and Coffs Harbour Airport (CFS) (CFS) are also nearby and might be a better alternative airport depending on where you are flying from.

Drive yourself

Yes it is possible to drive from Forster and Ballina. The distance is around 456km (283 miles) by road and it will take around 5h 10m in normal traffic conditons.

If you don't have a car, the easiest way to get from Forster to Ballina is to take the bus which takes, on average, 7h 50m and will usually cost around A$64 ($43).

How do I get from Forster to Ballina

Compare travel optionsbetween Forster and Ballina

Transport options from Forster to Ballina
Transport optionDurationCostFrequencyDistance
Bus to Bulahdelah Coach Stop, Booloombayt St, plane + 2 similar
3h 55m
A$470($315)
once daily638km (396 miles)
Bus and Plane5h 25m
A$455($305)
twice a week1,070km (665 miles)
Bus, Train and Plane7h 20m
A$235($155)
5 times a day971km (604 miles)
Bus + 1 similar
7h 50m
A$64($43)
twice a week525km (326 miles)
Bus via Port Macquarie Coach Stop, Gordon St8h 40m
A$88($59)
twice a week530km (329 miles)
Train and Bus + 1 similar
7h 60m
A$76($51)
twice daily528km (328 miles)
Train to Grafton Station, Bus8h 15m
A$77($52)
twice daily564km (350 miles)
Drive
5h 10m
A$86($58)
on demand456km (283 miles)

Top Carriersoperating between Forster and Ballina

Airlines

Bus companies

Train operators

Airports near Ballina

The following major airports near Ballina offer regular flights to various popular destinations within Australia and internationally.

BNK
Ballina Byron Airport (BNK)
Domestic Airport
Distance
3km (2 miles) from Ballina
OOL
Gold Coast Airport (OOL)
International Airport
Distance
78km (48 miles) from Ballina
CFS
Coffs Harbour Airport (CFS)
Domestic Airport
Distance
168km (104 miles) from Ballina